Things to Ask Paralegal Colleges
Once you have a better understanding about what paralegals do and what training options are available, you can begin the undertaking of evaluating schools. But since there are numerous programs accessible at junior and community colleges in the Sherman Oaks CA area, as well as vocational and trade schools, you must learn what questions to ask in order to compare each one. This is especially true when you include all of the online paralegal degree and certificate programs also. If you are like the majority of prospective students, you will start by searching for schools within commuting distance and then comparing their tuition. But as we have already discussed, there are other significant aspects to research also, such as the reputation and accreditation of the schools. So let's go over several of the questions you should be asking the schools you are investigating so that you can thoroughly vet each one and make your ultimate choice.
Is the Paralegal School Accredited? The paralegal program and school that you select need to be accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Bar Association. If it is an online school, it might also receive accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which targets online or distance learning. Accreditation will not only help guarantee that the training you will obtain will be of the highest quality, but it will establish with potential employers that you are a qualified professional as well. Many Sherman Oaks CA law firms will only employ entry level legal assistants that have graduated from an accredited program. Also, financial assistance and student loans are often obtainable only for accredited schools.
What's the Reputation of the School? Find out what the rankings and reputations are for the paralegal programs you are looking at. This is of specific importance if you are new to the field with no previous work history, since employers will have to make a decision based on the quality of your education exclusively. Confirming that the program you select is accredited is an excellent first step. Reviewing school rating reports can help verify school rankings and quality of education as well. You can also call several Sherman Oaks CA law offices that you may have an interest in working for after graduating and ask what schools they suggest. Bear in mind that even if a school is not among the most highly rated, its paralegal program could still have an exceptional reputation.
Does the School Provide Internships? Internship programs offer students an opportunity to experience working in a law firm or other legal establishment while attending school. They can also present a pathway for students to start establishing contacts within the Sherman Oaks CA legal field. Ask if the paralegal schools you are reviewing offer internship programs, particularly in areas of the law that you have the most interest in entering upon graduation.
Is Job Placement Assistance provided? You will undoubtedly want to hit the ground running after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be difficult without support. Ask if the paralegal programs you are considering have job assistance programs and what their placement rates are. Rapid and high placement rates are an excellent indication that the schools have large networks and good relationships with California legal services employers. It also confirms that their graduates are highly regarded and in demand.
Where is the School Located? Considering that laws vary from one state to another, it may be advantageous to enroll in a paralegal school domiciled in California or the state where you wish to practice after graduation. In addition, it will be valuable to establish relationships in the neighboring legal community, possibly by means of an internship program. This is even more reason to acquire your education in the area where you choose to work. Also, if you go to classes at a community college, most require a higher tuition for students that reside outside of their districts. So you may want to first consider those colleges that are within the Sherman Oaks CA area.
How Much is the Total Cost? Paralegal schools can vary in price based on the credential obtained and the length of training furnished. However, tuition will not be the only expense for your training. Remember to include the cost of books, supplies and commuting to classes to your budget as well. Financial assistance may be obtainable to help reduce some of the expense, so be sure to talk to the school's financial aid office to find out what is available in Sherman Oaks CA. Naturally if you decide to attend an online school, some of these supplementary costs, such as for commuting, might be decreased or eliminated.
Do the Class Times Fit your Schedule? A number of paralegal students keep working while getting their training and require flexibility in class scheduling. If you can solely attend night or weekend classes near Sherman Oaks CA, make certain classes are offered at those times. Additionally, if you can only attend on a part time basis, make sure that the school you select makes available that option. Finally, inquire what the procedure is for making up missed classes as a result of sickness, work or family emergencies.